Discover Azerbaijan: A Traveler's Guide to Baku, Quba, and Shahdag

By: Dr Irfan Khan

Azerbaijan has long earned the title “The Land of Fire” because of its natural gas fires that have burned continuously. Because of its rich history and abundant natural beauty it is fast attracting tourists, especially from Asia. This gem of a country offers a fascinating mix of old-world charm and modern vibes, from its cobblestone streets in Baku’s old city to breathtaking mountain resorts like Shahdag. Azerbaijan perfectly blends history, culture, and stunning scenery. Adventure seekers, food lovers, and even those just looking for a laid-back retreat will all find something here. In addition, it’s an incredibly safe and affordable destination, especially for families, solo travelers, and couples.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or just love learning about new places, here’s a friendly, easy-to-digest guide to help you make the most of Azerbaijan.

Exploring Azerbaijan: A Friendly Guide for First-Time Visitors

If you’re a UAE resident like me you won’t require a visa prior to travel if your resident card is valid for six months. Not sure about your own nationality? Since ours was expiring soon we opted for e-Visa which is offered for many countries. I got ours approved in 24 hours on UK passports costing me $25 per person.

Money Talks

The local currency is the Azerbaijan Manat (AZN), and exchange rates can vary—here’s something I wish I had known! I stocked up on AZN before traveling (at a rate of 1AZN = 2.2AED), but needed more in Baku but the rate was not as good (1AZN = 2.5AED.) If you’re planning a visit, grab what you can before traveling, but don’t worry too much—you’ll find fair deals locally, too.

Pro Tip: Convert the currency beforehand. Carry smaller bills for taxi drivers, cafes, and tipping! AZN isn’t available on travel-friendly cards like Revolut, but cash works just fine here.

Foodies, Rejoice!

Food in Azerbaijan is an absolute treat! They offer a delightful mix of Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine, with plenty of halal options everywhere. Whether you’re sticking to local street food or want something fancier, you’ll find their prices surprisingly affordable.

Make sure to try:

Plov (rice pilaf) – A national dish packed with flavor and spices.
Kebabs and grilled meats that melt in your mouth.
Fresh Anar (pomegranate) juice available from roadside stalls—you won’t regret sipping on this!
Getting Around Made Easy
One of Azerbaijan’s standout features is its affordability for transportation. Here’s what worked (and what didn’t) during our adventure:

Bolt App is a lifesaver! It’s just like Uber and incredibly cheap. The most we paid was 10AZN ( just under $6) for a 40-minute airport transfer. Plus, the prices are clear upfront—no surprises.
Avoid the black London-style taxis in front of Deniz Mall! These guys charged me 40AZN for what should’ve been a 4AZN ride. Stick to Bolt to save your wallet.
Walking is a joy in areas like the Old City and Nizami Street. Comfortable shoes are a must!
Intercity Adventures For our Baku-to-Quba trip, we booked a comfortable Sedan through Bolt for just 90AZN.
While in Quba and Shahdag (where Bolt doesn’t operate), your hotel reception can arrange taxis. They’re pricier than Bolt but still reasonable.
For our Shahdag and Quba adventures, we hired a friendly driver, Semur, with an SUV—it cost 160AZN for a full day, and he didn’t rush us despite the packed itinerary.

Be prepared for some language barriers, especially in rural areas, but Azerbaijanis are kind, and some know basic English or Arabic.

Must-Visit Places in Azerbaijan

Baku

This vibrant capital offers a mix of old-world charm and modern architecture. Here’s what to explore:

Old City (Icherisheher)

Wander the cobblestone streets and take in the stunning historic buildings.
Key attractions here include the Shirvanshah’s Palace, Maiden Tower, and the Museum of Miniature Books.
One small challenge though—taxis aren’t allowed inside Old City walls. You’ll need to walk to/from its gates for pickups and drop-offs.

Other Highlights in Baku

Nizami Street for shopping and dining.
Upland Park, where you’ll get panoramic views of the Flame Towers, Caspian Sea, and cityscape. (Take the funicular ride for just 1AZN.)
Mini Venice, where you can enjoy a short gondola-style boat ride—a cute little adventure, especially with kids.

Quba

Quba is a small city, around 2 hrs drive from Baku. The town is known for its red brick buildings, and one of the most famous is the Juma Mosque. The mosque has a unique shape, like an octagon, and is topped with a huge dome.We stayed at the gorgeous Lake Park Hotel by Macara Club, a lakeside resort with family-friendly activities like boating, horse riding, and hiking. If you want somewhere serene yet fun, this is it.

Shahdag Mountain Resort

Around an hour’s drive from Quba, Shahdag is perfect for both summer thrill rides and winter skiing. Pack an extra layer—it’s chilly even in summer!

Khinaliq

Though we didn’t make it because of the rain, we heard locals rave about this stunning, secluded mountain village. It’s about 1.5 hours from Quba, so if you’re into scenic views, don’t skip it.

Insider Tips for First-Timers
Bring a power bank. There are so many Instagram-worthy sights, you don’t want your phone running out of juice.
Use Bolt app – which is Azerbaijani Uber
Cash over cards—in rural areas like Quba and Shahdag, you’ll rarely find places accepting plastic.
Learn a few Azerbaijani or Russian phrases—they’ll help a lot outside Baku!

Fall in Love with Azerbaijan

Whether you’re strolling through Baku’s Old City or enjoying the crisp mountain air at Shahdag, Azerbaijan is an experience to savor. It’s easily one of the most affordable and kid-friendly destinations we’ve visited. The blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes makes it a destination I’ll recommend again and again.

Planning your trip? Feel free to comment below with any questions—I’d be happy to help!

Safe travels.

Dr Irfan Khan is a travel enthusiast who contributes actively to our travel forum. He visited Azerbaijan last year in 2024.

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Discover Azerbaijan: A Traveler's Guide to Baku, Quba, and Shahdag

By: Dr Irfan Khan